Immaculate Conception
From today’s Scripture: “And coming to her, he said, ‘Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.”—Lk 1:28-29 “She was greatly troubled.” There is something about this sentiment of Mary that is so vulnerable and unsettling. Yet […]
Second Sunday of Advent
From today’s Scripture: “John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins…”—Lk 3:3 John the Baptist went about the “whole” region of the Jordan proclaiming the one who is coming. As written from the prophet Isaiah, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his […]
St. Ambrose
From today’s Scripture: “At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them….”—Mt 9:36 I’m amazed at faces. Think of it—we’re talking of a space roughly 6” by 4”, but the diversity! Even if you do have a twin somewhere, that’s just two of you out of 8+ billion! At times […]
First Friday of Advent
From today’s Scripture: “The Lord is my light and my salvation.”—Ps 27:1 No doubt by now you have seen numerous light displays; each year seems to introduce something that produces “oohs and aahs.” John’s Biblical writings often cite the theme of light. In the midst of the darknesses of the world, the Psalmist’s words carry […]
First Thursday of Advent
From today’s Scripture: “Not everyone who says, ‘Lord, Lord’…”—Mt 7:21 The answer to the question “Is our faith about prayer or action?” is…YES! Huh? Our faith is about both. In certain contexts, one or other may be emphasized, but both comprise the practice of our faith. In today’s Gospel, Jesus is reminding us that mere […]
ADVENT REFLECTION: TRUST IN GOD’S PROMISES
December 1 began a new liturgical year and season for the Catholic Church. Advent, about four weeks long, is a time to prepare our hearts and minds for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. “Think of Mary and Joseph,” says Father Dan Dorsey, Glenmary’s president. “These were two people who are not important by […]
First Wednesday of Advent
From today’s Scripture: “The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces.”—Is 25:8 While anticipation of the joyful Nativity season may be in the air, it’s trite but true: death does not take a holiday. Our reading from Isaiah is one often used at funerals—and for good reason. The reality of this life […]
St. Francis Xavier
From today’s Scripture: “…you have revealed to the childlike.”—Lk 10:21 After 50 years as a priest I had a wonderful insight into this quote recently. When I left the parish, she was a high school student. Fourteen years later she was married with two children. It was wonderful catching up with her and meeting her […]
First Monday of Advent
From today’s Scripture: “…nor shall they train for war again.”—Is 2:4 Peace and harmony are themes woven throughout Advent. The coming of the Prince of Peace should usher in an era where that is the norm—everywhere. And yet, the news of the day—every day—seems to mock that hope as well as Christ’s title. As I […]
First Sunday of Advent
From today’s Scripture: “…be blameless in holiness…”—1 Thes 3:13 Happy Advent! It’s that beautiful liturgical season which barely scores a footnote with the barrage of things Christmas. (I saw my first Christmas tree displayed this year on October 9.) Advent marks a new beginning. For me as a priest, once again returning to the beginning […]
